After reading Martin Wilson’s debut novel, the one I mentioned earlier, the one David Levithan jokingly said should be called La Quinta Weekend, I have decided Martin’s title is infinitely better.
Alex drank Pine-Sol at a party at the start of the school year. His brother James, one year older, is angry and has taken to ignoring Alex. Actually, so has the rest of the school.
Honestly? I’m one of those gals who generally goes for the underdog, so from the start I thought I’d hate James. But as I got to know him a bit better, and as his character grew, I think I might have become his biggest fan. As for Alex, I wondered (like I’m sure everyone does) why he drank Pine-Sol, and what the big bad was that made him do it at a party. Then again, I felt like I could understand his behavior, being a depressive sort myself.
The whole book takes place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and there’s a strong Southern feel to the story. Not that stereotypical Gone With the Wind Southern thing, and not a suggestion that all Southerners are hicks, either. It’s just, if you’ve ever lived in the Deep South, this book is like a photographic reminder of the people and attitudes there. And it’s a good photograph, sure to make you remember both the good and the bad.
Martin’s book is (a) funny, (b) poignant, and (c) full of unexpected discoveries about the two brothers. And so even if the book boasted the unfortunate title of La Quinta Weekend, I’d have to recommend it. And actually, having read it makes me totally want to hang out with Martin and ask him about a thousand questions. Actually, Martin, if you’re reading this, want to play Twenty Questions with me?
Buy What They Always Tell Us
…pine-sol? Alrighty then.
I like that cover immensely, for some reason.
It’s very pretty, the cover, though I’m not sure at all what it might have to do with the book.
They probably just wanted a pretty cover so that people would go “Ooooh that’s purty I want it” and buy the book.
I would do that for this book, because that cover is fawesome.
I suffocate — SUFFOCATE — with envy for that cover. Gawwwwwwwd, it’s gorgeous.
I’m just happy to see a book set in my home state — Alabama.
I just love this book. So touching. Not much to say about that.
Oh well,…at least I love the cover.
I am currently in the middle of reading this book, an i reccomend it. The cover i nice but thats not why i bought it. It is very interesting, I believe we all feel like the boy it the book left out and friendless, at times. I recomend this book highly, its a good read when its raining out and you just want to relax.